PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

LORNA Q. GARCIA

Teachers should encourage parents to participate in their children’s education, not just at home but also in school.

According to research, students’achievements are directly correlated to their parents’involvement in school activities.

However, there are cases where both parents have to work for their families to support the financial needs of the household, which makes it very difficult for parents to take time out from their busy schedules.

Teachers should understand this situation and should not jump into conclusions that they are “detached” and “unconcerned”.

There are various reasons why parents aren’t active in their children’s school lives: single parenthood; lack of transportation; lack of child care services for younger children; low education, thus low self esteem in parents; lack of knowledge regarding how they can contribute.

Teachers should help parents overcome these barriers if they want their class to have better study skills and make better grades. Parents should be made to feel welcome, as they are an integral part of the child’s life.

The teachers should also help parents understand their roles in the development of their children. They should be active participants in meetings and activities taking place in school.

Parent involvement is necessary. Let us help them in bringing up their children as decent human beings.

— oOo—

The author is Teacher II at Jose Escaler Memorial School